Overview:
The Brooklyn Nets hosted a Caribbean-themed game night at Barclays Center as part of their Nets Unite initiative, celebrating the region’s cultures through music, carnival performers and community programming. Haitian American fans were among those who attended, waving flags and representing their heritage while enjoying performances from Caribbean artists and a halftime show. Team officials say the effort reflects Brooklyn’s diverse communities and aims to deepen engagement with local residents and youth.
BROOKLYN — Annabelle Abelard was scrolling through Instagram when an ad for West Indian Carnival night at Barclays Center caught her attention. The young Haitian American liked that the event promised to feature Caribbean culture as part of the experience during the Nets vs. Pistons game. Abelard sprung for the $75 seats and attended the March 10 game with her sister Ari and a friend.
As is typical for Caribbean massive gatherings, the trio arrived with Haitian flags tucked into their bags. They also carried red-and-blue bandannas, which they waved and twirled during announcer shoutouts, making noise and representing their nations.
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“That was a big reason we came,” Annabelle Abelard said, as the trio headed out after the game. “Flatbush is in here.
“It was really fun,” she added. “I just wish they had shouted out Haiti more.”
While not as visible as Haitians tend to be in Caribbean massive gatherings around Brooklyn, the country’s red-and-blue still popped up throughout the 3-hour game in the flag displays, some dancers representing their heritage, a pre-game DJ set featuring konpa music and people like the Abelard sisters yelling out “Haiti.”
The nod to Caribbean locals, held annually, is one of the many themed nights organized as part of the Nets Unite community engagement campaign to forge relationships with various groups inside and outside the arena. Through ongoing youth mentorship initiatives, small business support programs and employment practices, the organization aims to both reflect and welcome the Caribbean community.
“When you think about the West Indian community, it is such an integral part of what makes Brooklyn ‘Brooklyn,’” said Jackie Wilson, senior vice president of social impact for Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, the Nets’ parent company.
“For us to be authentic in our representation, authentic in our celebrations, it’s important that we reflect the rich diversity that is Brooklyn,” Wilson explained. “All of our Nets Unite platform is meant to celebrate Brooklyn and make sure that every resident of Brooklyn sees themselves in our programming, our people and our initiatives.”
As fans entered Barclays Center that Tuesday, they were greeted with an array of Caribbean carnival energy. Costumed carnival queens, a steel pan group and photo booth displaying the region’s multitude of flags adorned the entrances, while Guyanese DJ King SZN kept the atmosphere lively with a pregame set. In the Brooklyn Market, fans also had the choice to savor foods from Coco Bred, Jamaican sandwich pockets, and Likkle More Jerk.
Kashama, a St. Lucian children’s author dressed in her country’s yellow and blue flag colors, stood in line with her family to take photos.
“I think it’s a wonderful thing because Brooklyn is such a diverse community, made of so many different cultures,” said Kashama, owner of Sand Castle Books. “Dedicating [the night] to West Indian, Caribbean heritage night where you could celebrate all the islands of the Caribbean — it’s all about culture, the vibe, the heritage. It’s beautiful.”
On the court moments later, St. Lucian singer Ashley Skerritt performed the American national anthem and Guyanese American rapper Red Café performed at halftime with the Brooklynettes and Team Hype.
“We’re happy with the representation,” said Molly Edward, a first-time game attendee. “It’s cool and nice, especially to see it all carnival-like, and going into the summer too.”
But the evening festivities are just one aspect of the community engagement plans, Wilson said. Another is the type of work that Nets player Terance Mann is partnering with Inspiring Minds and Skechers to support local youth. In that initiative, students based in Flatbush who excelled in attendance and academics received shoe vouchers and attended a career talk with BSE and Skechers leaders.
Partnering small businesses is another way Nets Unite supports the community, Wilson said. Through its Brooklyn Market program, eligible local businesses may set up a pop-up shop inside the arena for four to six weeks. Wilson said those who do well may be able to set up shop again.
Jamaican food eatery Little More Jerk is among the businesses that started off as a Brooklyn Market shop and did so well, it has now opened up a year-round full-time stand at Barclays Center.
Last, but not least, Wilson said, Haitians are well represented in their offices, “again as we look to be authentic in how we not only market but promote within Brooklyn, we need to make sure that we are representative of that internally as well.”
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